1. 2004 Annual Report

2. In 2004, we expanded our brand selection to better
serve a variety of ages and interests. New brands
include apt. 9 in both mens and misses and
Urban Pipeline for young men.

3. Financial Highlights
2004 2003*
up 13.8%
NET SALES
$ 11,701 $10,282
(In millions of dollars)
up 22.8%
OPERATING INCOME
$ 1,237 $ 1,007
(In millions of dollars)
PERCENT OF SALES 10.6% 9.8%
up 25.7%
NET INCOME
$ 730 $ 581
(In millions of dollars)
PERCENT OF SALES 6.2% 5.6%
up 25.6%
CASH PROVIDED BY
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
$ 948 $ 754
(In millions of dollars)
* Restated
Profile CONTENTS
Letter to Shareholders 2
Kohl’s mission is to be the leading family-focused, value-oriented,
expect great things: Customers 4
specialty department store offering quality exclusive and national
expect great things: Partners 8
brand merchandise to the customer in an environment that is
expect great things: Shareholders 9
convenient, friendly and exciting.
expect great things: Associates 10
expect great things: Communities 11
Kohl’s operates from coast to coast. At the end of fiscal 2004, we
Financial Summary 12
served customers in 40 states through 637 stores and Kohls.com.
Corporate Information 13
In fiscal 2005, we plan to open approximately 95 stores.
1

4. Dear Shareholders enable shoppers to quickly find what they need. We expanded
our merchandise offerings to appeal to a broader range of
customers and introduced new merchandise into our stores
more frequently. Seven new exclusive, private or national brands
were added in 2004, with more on the horizon in 2005.
MERCHANDISE STRATEGIES A major initiative in 2004 was
the introduction of exclusive brands that can only be found at
Kohl’s. We introduced daisy fuentes for misses and everGirl for
young girls in 2004, and the Oh Baby! by Motherhood maternity
collection became exclusive to Kohl’s in early 2005. Through our
strategic alliance with The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., we
added a major category we didn’t previously offer – cosmetics.
Our exclusive beauty products were introduced in 288 stores in
2004 and will be rolled-out to our remaining stores in 2005.
Larry Montgomery, Arlene Meier and Kevin Mansell
In the fall of 2005, Kohl’s will become the exclusive retailer for
Candie’s apparel in juniors and young girls. More exclusive lines
2004 GOALS 2004 was a year in which we made considerable
are planned for 2005, including The Backyardigans, a new
progress toward advancing our financial and business objectives.
toddler line based on Nickelodeon’s hottest new show.
Our financial goals for 2004 were to return to positive comparable
We expanded our selection of national brands by introducing
store sales increases, restore the gross margin to historic levels
Laura Ashley Lifestyles and Gloria Vanderbilt for the home, and
and appropriately manage expenses, while making the investments
Bongo for juniors in 2004. In early 2005, we added Chaps in
needed to support our expansion. Achieving these objectives
both casual and dress in mens, which we believe will offer a
would return us to earnings increases of 20% per year.
tremendous opportunity to increase our market share in the
Here’s how we did. We achieved record sales for our thirteenth men’s business. Other new national brands in 2005 include
consecutive year as a public company. Net sales were $11.7 ROYAL VELVET in home.
billion, a 14% increase. Comparable store sales were up 0.3%.
We increased our private brand offerings in 2004 with the
Net income increased 26% to a record $730.4 million or $2.12
introduction of Urban Pipeline for young men. We introduced
per diluted share. Our sales per square foot remains among the
apt. 9 in both mens and misses to appeal to customers seeking
highest in the industry and our operating margin of 10.6% is
today’s contemporary fashions and will extend the brand further
one of the highest in the department store business.
in 2005.
While we are pleased with our progress, we know we can
We will continue our focus on developing new exclusive and
do better.
private brands that add excitement and variety to our stores, as
2004 ACHIEVEMENTS We made excellent progress in 2004 well as adding national brands our customers know and trust.
in enhancing the customer shopping experience. We reduced
overall inventory levels, increased inventory turns and improved CAPITAL INVESTMENTS In 2004, we invested $890 million
our processes, enabling us to increase profitability by reducing in capital projects to expand our presence, remodel existing
the amount of merchandise sold on clearance. stores, support our future growth and enhance productivity.
We added 95 stores in 2004, increasing our store base from 542
We adjusted the number and placement of fixtures to make it
to 637 stores. California became our largest state with 62 stores,
easier for customers to navigate the store. New, visually strong
as we entered five new markets: San Francisco, Sacramento, San
graphics were added to better highlight our various brands and
2

5. Diego, Fresno and Bakersfield. Other new markets in 2004 included The key to expect great things is our people. We strengthened our
Salt Lake City, Utah; Memphis, Tennessee; and Rochester, New York. executive team in 2004 by increasing the number of senior level positions
We also continued to open additional stores in established markets. in merchandising, planning and allocation and product development
to help us improve our merchandise content and set Kohl’s apart
In 2005, we will open approximately 95 new stores, increasing from the competition. Some of the positions were filled by outside
square footage by 15%. Kohl’s will enter the state of Florida with hires, while others were filled through internal promotions.
stores opening in Orlando and Jacksonville in the fall. Consistent
We welcomed over 15,000 new Associates to Kohl’s in 2004. We
with our expansion in other regions, we will open a new distribution
are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent in retail.
center in Macon, Georgia, to support our growth in the Southeast.
Our Associates are an outstanding team that did a great job of helping
We will also continue to expand our presence in our existing markets
to restore the attributes that make Kohl’s special to our customers.
in order to increase market share.
We remain committed to managing our business both ethically and
Our capital structure is well positioned to continue to support our
responsibly and to representing the best interest of our shareholders
expansion plans. Capital expenditures in 2004 were funded entirely
through good corporate governance. After thorough review by its
through internally generated cash and we expect to fund our future
Governance and Nominating Committee, the Board of Directors believes
expansion in the same manner.
Kohl’s is in full compliance with all applicable corporate governance
DIFFERENTIATING KOHL’S In 2004, we continued to build the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the New
Kohl’s brand to maximize our customer base and attract new York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Accordingly, in 2004, Kohl’s provided
customers. The foundation for our success is our well-established the NYSE with an unqualified Annual CEO Certification of compliance,
concept of brands, value and convenience. We are focused on our and has filed with the SEC, as an exhibit to our Annual Reports on Form
core customer – a busy mom shopping for herself, her home and 10-K for fiscal years 2003 and 2004, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302
her family. We offer the national brands she wants, along with certification regarding the quality of the company’s public disclosure.
strong private brands. Our new exclusive brands further differentiate
2005 AND BEYOND Our accomplishments in 2004 have set the
Kohl’s in the marketplace.
stage to deliver a great 2005. We look ahead to 2005 as a year to
One of our biggest competitive advantages is convenience. From our return to mid-single digit comparable store sales increases through
commitment to being in-stock in a broad variety of merchandise the infusion of new, innovative merchandise and marketing
categories to our neighborhood locations with easy in-out parking, enhancements that revolve around the promise of expect great
wide aisles, quick checkout and hassle-free returns, the Kohl’s concept things. We will continue our commitment to 20% earnings growth
is designed with our core customer in mind. Our strong credit card and to providing brands, value and convenience to our customers.
loyalty program, values every day throughout the store and friendly We’ll use our financial strength to continue our steady expansion
Associates further enhance the Kohl’s shopping experience. into both new and existing markets and to improve our processes
and productivity.
EXPECT GREAT THINGS In 2005, we will begin moving Kohl’s
to the next level as a company. Our new positioning statement, We want to thank all of our Associates across the country for
expect great things, is a commitment to our customers, our helping Kohl’s to get back on track in 2004. We remain
Associates, our business partners and our shareholders. We want committed to all of our Associates, our customers, our partners,
to provide a great shopping experience for our customers, with our shareholders and our communities. We believe our future has
the best possible brands, prices and selections in the nation. Our never been brighter. You can expect great things from Kohl’s.
Associates should expect a work environment that inspires, supports
and rewards them. Our business partners will truly be partners and,
together, we will create the best products in the marketplace.
Finally, we will be prudent stewards of our shareholders’ investment
Arlene Meier
Kevin Mansell
Larry Montgomery
in the company. Chief Operating Officer
President
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
3

6. In 2005, the signature look of Chaps casual clothes
debuted in the men’s department. Kohl’s own Sonoma
brand complements our brand-name merchandise
throughout the store.
4

7. Expect Great Things: Customers
TO OUR CUSTOMER: expect great things means a This new category
provides value and
great shopping experience. We’re dedicated to providing
convenience for
our customers with the best selection of brands, at the
customers who
best value – all in one easy trip.
want to add
In 2004, we focused on bringing newness into our high-quality beauty
stores – new styles, new brands and new merchandising items to their Kohl’s
initiatives – to further differentiate us from the competition. shopping cart. Our
We made Kohl’s an easier place to shop, with an increased beauty department is bright and cheerful, with open-sell
emphasis on fashion. Our successful combination of national, product displays filled with over 400 shades of makeup and
private and exclusive brands gives our current customers a skin care products for every complexion type. A trained
wider spectrum of styles to choose from and encourages beauty Associate is available to provide expert advice and
new customers to see what all the excitement is about. customers are invited to “try before they buy.”
EXPECT GREAT BRANDS In 2004, we added exclusive For misses, our exclusive new fashion line by Daisy Fuentes,
brands for the first time. New national and private brands a popular fashion model and TV personality, showcases
broadened our fashion appeal with increased emphasis on everyday style solutions in contemporary designs, colors and
the total lifestyle concept of how our customers live, work fabrics priced to appeal to Kohl’s core customer. The
and play. exciting daisy fuentes line went from 188 stores to all
stores in October 2004. In 2005, the line will be extended to
Our exciting alliance with The Estée Lauder Companies
accessories, loungewear, shoes and special sizes. For young
Inc. brought beauty into our stores for the first time with
girls and their parents, everGirl, a new lifestyle brand created
three new, exclusive brands of makeup and skin care
by Nickelodeon, offers another great option for the newest
products – American Beauty, Flirt! and good skin.
trends in clothing and accessories.
We further expanded our private brand selection with
Urban Pipeline for young men. Our newest private brand,
apt. 9, was introduced in both mens and misses and quickly
became a strong performer. In 2005, we will extend apt. 9
into special sizes, as well as into swimwear, sleepwear,
jewelry and accessories for women. In mens, we will add
apt. 9 in sportswear, outerwear, dress shirts, ties and dress slacks.
In national brands, we added Bongo for juniors, and will
extend it into girls in 2005, to broaden our customer base
and better serve a variety of ages and interests. The Laura
Ashley Lifestyles and Gloria Vanderbilt brands arrived in our
bath and bedding department in 2004, with initial
merchandise including comforter sets, sheets, bath towels
and bath rugs. We also added ROYAL VELVET towels and
accessories to our extensive bath offerings in 2005.
5

8. The exciting addition of new exclusive brands, such as
daisy fuentes in misses and national brands including
classic Chaps dress clothes in mens, broadens our
appeal to fashion conscious customers.
6

9. Expect Great Things: Customers
MORE GREAT BRANDS IN 2005 More exciting brands will be the exclusive
retailer for Candie’s
are debuting in Kohl’s stores in 2005. To address the fashion
footwear and
demands of today’s male shopper, we introduced Chaps in
handbags. Building
all stores at the beginning of the year. The signature look
on the success of
of Chaps is uniquely American and its classic styling, like its
the everGirl brand
popularity, is timeless. We currently offer Chaps woven and
by Nickelodeon,
knit tops, casual and dress pants, dress shirts, suits, sport
we will introduce
coats and ties.
The Backyardigans line for toddlers in 2005. Based on
Moms-to-be now have another great reason to shop at Kohl’s. Nickelodeon’s hottest new show, the line will include
The bold, bright and beautiful Oh Baby! by Motherhood playwear, tees and sleepwear, all exclusive to Kohl’s.
collection also rolled into Kohl’s stores in early 2005.
EXPECT A GREAT IN-STORE EXPERIENCE Brands,
Exclusive to Kohl’s, this collection from the world’s leading
value and convenience define the Kohl’s shopping experience.
designer and retailer of maternity wear features a
In 2004, we focused on making our stores easier to shop.
contemporary assortment of sportswear, intimate apparel
We reduced in-aisle programs to make aisles wider and
and sleepwear.
increased spacing standards between fixtures to make it
Adding momentum to our merchandise offerings will be easier to move within a department. We added large, bright
the addition of the Candie’s brand in our juniors’ and girls’ graphics and photos so our customer can quickly find the
departments in the fall of 2005. Candie’s is known brands she’s looking for.
for its innovative marketing and trendy fashions for young
Our credit card program continues to recognize and reward
shoppers. Kohl’s will become the exclusive provider of
our most loyal customers with special offers. For customers
Candie’s apparel in 2005 and at the end of fiscal 2006, we
who prefer to shop at home, our exciting brands and great
value are always available on Kohls.com. Extended store
hours and hassle-free returns further define convenience
at Kohl’s.
In 2005, we will further enhance our merchandise
presentation to make it more fashion-focused and easier
to put outfits together. From the look of our merchandise
to the appeal of our visual presentation, our 2005
initiatives are designed to create a more fun and exciting
shopping environment. With constantly evolving brands
and an emphasis on new trends throughout the store,
we’re well positioned to meet the changing needs of
our customers.
From the parking lot into the store, through the checkout and
out the door, Kohl’s customers can expect a great shopping
experience. That means great brands, great value and great
convenience – the key elements that make Kohl’s unique.
7

10. Expect Great Things: Partners
TO OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS: expect great things is a PROFITABLE GROWTH Sharing information with our
pledge in partnership with our suppliers. We will work collectively vendors is the foundation of strong partnerships and successfully
to create the best products in the market, and as a result, growing our businesses together. In 2004, we established a
profitably grow our businesses. vendor Intranet that gives our top 100 partners real-time
access to information including sales, inventories, deliveries
A significant contributor to Kohl’s success is the strong
and other data. This information enables our vendor partners
relationships we have with our vendor partners. Our brand
to provide us with a continual flow of high-quality merchandise
assortment is continually evolving in response to new trends
and helps us to maintain desirable inventory levels.
and styles and the changing needs of our customers. Kohl’s
The newest element in our ongoing commitment to have the
was built on the concept of offering national brands that our
very best store-level inventory and assortment is our partnership
customers know and trust. Our exclusive and private brands
with SAS, the world leader in business analytics software.
further enhance our merchandise selection.
Through SAS, we will have a single end-to-end system that
EXCLUSIVE BRANDS In addition to our great national helps us to accurately predict, analyze, optimize and support
brand partners, in 2004 and early 2005 we differentiated life-cycle merchandising. This will allow us to increase revenue
Kohl’s even further, introducing a number of exciting new through better allocation of products, reduced markdowns and
exclusive brands. The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., one of flowing goods into our stores more often and closer to sales.
the most famous names in beauty, developed three new In 2005, we will continue to improve our supply chain to bring
exclusive lines of cosmetics and skin care products just for the latest new merchandise into our stores throughout the year.
Kohl’s. Also new at Kohl’s are daisy fuentes, everGirl,
Kohl’s and our partners are committed to growing our
Candie’s and Oh Baby! by Motherhood. These widely
businesses together. From creating new on-trend merchandise
recognized, trend-setting fashions can only be found in
to having the right products in the right markets at the right
our stores and on Kohls.com, giving customers one more
time, our goal is to offer the brands, quality and assortments
great reason to shop at Kohl’s.
our customers expect and desire from Kohl’s.
Our beauty department features three new exclusive brands of makeup and skin care products, American Beauty, Flirt!
and good skin, developed by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. exclusively for Kohl’s.
8

11. Expect Great Things: Shareholders
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS: expect great things is
a commitment to grow the company and increase its
NET INCOME(a)
*
profitability. We will continue to be committed to becoming
GR
(In millions of dollars)
CA $730
the number one family-focused, value-oriented specialty 4%
23. $635
department store. $581
$488
In 2004, we achieved our goal to return to 20% earnings
$367
growth. Net income increased 26% in 2004 and over the
$255
past five years our net income has grown at a compounded
annual growth rate of 23%. These increases were achieved
through a combination of comparable store sales increases,
99 00 01 02 03 04
square footage growth and gross margin expansion. We
continued to concentrate on profitable growth, ending the STORES
*
(Open at year end)
GR
year with 637 stores in 40 states, compared with 542 stores 637
CA
7%
in 36 states at the same time last year.
19.
542
457
EXPANDING THE COMPANY In 2004, we opened 382
320
95 stores. Of these, 53 were in new markets and 42 were
259
fill-in stores in existing markets. We extended our presence
in California with entries into San Francisco with 11 stores,
Sacramento with seven stores, San Diego with five stores,
99 00 01 02 03 04
Fresno with three stores and Bakersfield with two stores.
(a) 1999-2003 restated.
Other new market entries include Salt Lake City, Utah,
* Compounded annual growth rate.
with five stores, and Rochester, New York, and Memphis,
Tennessee, with three stores each.
square feet, the stores have a layout that is similar to our
We plan to open approximately 95 stores in fiscal 2005,
larger prototype stores and include all departments, but
with approximately 33 stores opening in the spring and
with an edited merchandise selection. Over the past two
the balance in the fall. The fall openings include our entry
years, we have evaluated and refined all aspects of these
into Florida, with seven stores in Orlando and three in
four test locations and are pleased with the development
Jacksonville. We plan to fund all of this expansion through
of the concept and the performance of these stores. We
our strong cash flow.
will continue to refine the concept and plan to open four
additional stores in 2005. The small-store concept is
We also continue to keep our established stores looking
a growth vehicle that will bring our great shopping
fresh and current. We remodeled stores in the Minneapolis
experience to many more customers and communities
and Kansas City markets in 2004. In 2005, we will remodel
across the country. The small stores will be a part of our
stores in Cleveland and Philadelphia.
expansion every year going forward.
SMALL STORE TEST In 2002, we initiated a small-store
As we look to 2005 and beyond, our shareholders can
test to serve trade areas of 100,000 or less in population.
expect us to continue to open stores across the country and
The test consisted of one store each in Wisconsin, Iowa,
maintain our commitment to 20% earnings growth.
Michigan and North Carolina. At approximately 68,000
9

12. Expect Great Things: Associates
TO OUR ASSOCIATES: expect great things is a development to support our exclusive and private
brand initiatives and provide trend direction to
commitment to provide a work environment that inspires,
the entire organization. We reorganized our
supports and rewards extraordinary Associates.
planning and allocation team and promoted
Everything our Associates do, from buying quality merchandise
our chief information officer to executive vice
and negotiating competitive prices to effectively advertising
president of planning and allocation to bring
and selling these products to our customers, requires an
his systems analysis expertise to the team. We
outstanding team. Every day, in every location, Kohl’s
promoted three executives into newly created
Associates are the great people behind our growth and success.
senior vice president positions that support planning and
allocation. Seasoned retail executives were also added to the
SUPPORTING OUR ASSOCIATES Associates like joining the
merchandise team. We increased our general merchandise
Kohl’s team because of opportunities for growth at every level
manager positions from two to three and increased our number
in the organization. As we continue to grow, our store management
of department merchandise managers from eight to 11.
bench strength continues to deepen. The focus on management
development efforts across our organization enables us to
REWARDING OUR ASSOCIATES Kohl’s growth provides
attract and retain the people who drive our success.
numerous opportunities for our Associates. In 2004, we
added 15,000 new Associates, bringing the total number
In 2004, we introduced Kohl’s University to our Associates. With
of Kohl’s Associates to over 100,000. Our college recruitment
“Kohl’s U” in place, we’ve further expanded our array of courses
program on 45 campuses continues to bring talented
that educate and develop the capabilities of our Associates.
graduates into our store and corporate training programs.
Associates can select classroom or computer-based training
offerings depending upon the way they prefer to learn. All of
To reward and retain outstanding Associates, we offer
our courses are related to our strategic management
competitive benefit packages. In 2004, we added an
competencies, focusing our development efforts on the key
Employee Assistance Program to our benefits program
drivers of business effectiveness for today and tomorrow.
to provide Associates with work-life support, and began
STRENGTHENING OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM In 2004, we offering a drug discount card for part-time Associates. In
identified merchandising as an area we needed to strengthen in 2004, Associates in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan
order to deliver exciting merchandise to every market we serve. owned more than two million shares of Kohl’s stock,
We created the position of executive vice president – product continuing to make this one of our most significant benefits.
Kohl’s executive vice presidents and their areas
of responsibility are (from left):
Ken Bonning, logistics;
John Lesko, administration;
Wes McDonald, chief financial officer;
Don Brennan, general merchandise manager;
Rick Schepp, general counsel and secretary;
Jon Nordeen, planning and allocation;
Peggy Eskenasi, product development;
Gary Vasques, marketing;
Chris Capuano, general merchandise manager; and
Telvin Jeffries, human resources.
10

13. Expect Great Things: Communities
TO THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE: expect great
things is a continuing commitment to improving health
and educational opportunities for children.
Kohl’s is a strong partner in our communities through
programs involving our company and our Associates.
In 2004, numerous programs enabled us to give nearly
$20 million back to our communities.
IMPROVING HEALTH The Kohl’s Cares for Kids®
Children’s Hospital program is a community involvement
initiative that emphasizes our focus on families by
partnering with children’s hospitals in the communities
we serve. In 2004, Kohl’s Cares for Kids® supported
programs at 57 children’s hospitals in 35 states, through
the sale of special items. We donate 100% of the net
profits of our Kohl’s Cares for Kids® merchandise to
designated children’s hospitals.
In addition to the one-time funding of the purchase of
Norman Bridwell (third from left), creator of the “Clifford the
medical equipment or facilities, we’ve extended our
Big Red Dog™” series, participates in the check presentation
commitment beyond the walls of the hospitals with multi-year
ceremony at Children’s Hospital Boston. The popular children’s
grants to community outreach programs. For example, in
books and plush toys were one of the Kohl’s Cares for Kids®
2004 we awarded a five-year grant to Children’s Memorial
Children’s Hospital items in 2004.
Hospital in Chicago to establish the Kohl’s Cares for Kids®
Safety Network. This program is designed to confront the trips. In 2004, we helped over 2,700 schools and nonprofit
problems that threaten the safety of children in their homes, organizations raise money to support their programs.
in their neighborhoods and in their communities.
VOLUNTEERING IN OUR COMMUNITIES Through
SUPPORTING EDUCATION Our national Kohl’s Kids Who the Kohl’s A-Team, Associates volunteer their time to support
Care® program recognizes and rewards local kids who make a various youth-focused charities. Their participation is matched
difference in their communities through volunteerism. In 2004, with corporate grants that are given directly to the charities.
the program honored over 1,000 young volunteers with One special A-Team effort called “Operation: Connect Kids”
scholarships, gift cards and donations. raised money to purchase prepaid satellite cell phone cards
that allow children to connect with their parents serving in
Our Kohl’s Cares for Kids® Fundraising Card program continues
the military.
to grow as more schools and nonprofit organizations recognize
how easy it is to raise money with help from Kohl’s. Groups With Kohl’s in the community, children and families can
purchase the gift cards at a discount, resell them at face value expect great support, great family-focused programs and
and use the profits for items such as equipment, uniforms and great volunteers.
11

14. Financial Summary
FISCAL YEAR 2004 2003(a) 2002(a) 2001(a) 2000(a) 1999(a)
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS (In millions)
$11,701 $10,282 $ 9,120 $ 7,489 $ 6,152 $ 4,557
Net sales
4,114 3,395 3,139 2,565 2,096 1,543
Gross margin
2,540 2,102 1,827 1,535 1,289 977
Selling, general & administrative expenses
49 47 41 33 36 33
Preopening expenses
288 239 193 159 128 89
Depreciation and amortization
1,237 1,007 1,078 838 643 444
Operating income
63 73 56 50 46 27
Interest expense, net
1,174 934 1,022 788 597 417
Income before income taxes
730 581 635 488 367 255
Net income
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (b) $ 2.12 $ 1.69 $ 1.85 $ 1.43 $ 1.09 $ .76
FINANCIAL POSITION DATA (Dollars in millions)
$2,187 $ 1,902 $ 1,776 $ 1,584 $ 1,199 $ 732
Working capital
3,988 3,316 2,734 2,196 1,725 1,352
Property and equipment, net
7,979 6,691 6,311 4,927 3,853 2,930
Total assets
1,103 1,076 1,059 1,095 803 495
Long-term debt
4,967 4,149 3,479 2,767 2,185 1,673
Shareholders’ equity
16.0% 15.2% 20.3% 19.7% 19.0% 18.1%
Return on average shareholders’ equity
OTHER DATA
0.3% (1.6)% 5.3% 6.8% 9.0% 7.9%
Comparable store sales growth
$ 255 $ 268 $ 284 $ 283 $ 281 $ 270
Net sales per selling square foot
637 542 457 382 320 259
Stores open at year end
49,201 41,447 34,507 28,576 23,610 18,757
Total square feet of selling space (In thousands)
(a) Results for the 1999-2003 fiscal years have been restated to correct the Company’s method of accounting for leases.
(b) Adjusted for stock split in 2000.
NET SALES REPORT OF MANAGEMENT
(In millions of dollars)
* The management of Kohl’s Corporation is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the
GR
CA
$11,701
financial and operating information contained in this Annual Report, including the consolidated
%
8
20.
$10,282
financial statements covered by the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting
$9,120
Firm. These statements were prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
$7,489 and include amounts that are based on the best estimates and judgments of management.
$6,152
The consolidated financial statements and related notes have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
$4,557
independent registered public accounting firm, whose report is based on audits conducted in
accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
As part of its audit, the firm performed a review of the Company’s system of internal controls
and conducted such tests and employed such procedures as considered necessary to render its
opinion on the consolidated financial statements. The Company’s consolidated financial statements
99 00 01 02 03 04
including the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included in the
DILUTED EARNINGS Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 29, 2005.
PER SHARE (a) (b) *
GR
CA The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is composed of three independent Directors. The
$2.12
6%
22.
Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in its oversight of Kohl’s financial accounting and
$1.85
reporting practices. The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the compensation, appointment
$1.69
and oversight of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit
$1.43
Committee meets periodically with the independent registered public accounting firm, as well as
$1.09
with management, to review accounting, auditing, internal accounting control and financial
$0.76 reporting matters. The independent registered public accounting firm has unrestricted access to
the Audit Committee.
99 00 01 02 03 04
(a) 1999-2003 restated. Larry Montgomery Wesley S. McDonald
12 (b) Adjusted for stock split in 2000. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer
*Compounded annual growth rate.

15. Corporate Information
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS ANNUAL MEETING
Kohl’s Corporation The Kohl’s 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held
N56 W17000 Ridgewood Drive on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at the Midwest Airlines
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051-5660 Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(262) 703-7000
INVESTOR INFORMATION/
Web site: www.kohls.com
QUARTERLY REPORTS
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR For quarterly earnings reports and other investor information,
The Bank of New York please visit our Web site at www.kohls.com or direct your inquiries
Shareholder Relations Dept. 11-E to the company, Attention: Investor Relations.
P.O. Box 11258
FORM 10-K
Church Street Station
Parts I-III of Kohl’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the
New York, New York 10286
Securities and Exchange Commission, are included with this report
(800) 524-4458
for all shareholders.
Web site: www.stockbny.com
DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
JAY H. BAKER KEN BONNING
Retired President, Kohl’s Corporation Executive Vice President - Logistics
STEVEN A. BURD DONALD A. BRENNAN
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President - General Merchandise Manager
Safeway Inc. (b) (c) CHRIS CAPUANO
WAYNE EMBRY Executive Vice President - General Merchandise Manager
Senior Advisor to the General Manager of the Toronto Raptors (a) (c) PEGGY ESKENASI
JAMES D. ERICSON Executive Vice President - Product Development
Retired Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, TELVIN JEFFRIES
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (b) (c) Executive Vice President - Human Resources
JOHN F. HERMA JOHN J. LESKO
Retired Chief Operating Officer, Kohl’s Corporation Executive Vice President - Administration
WILLIAM S. KELLOGG KEVIN MANSELL
Retired Chief Executive Officer, Kohl’s Corporation President
KEVIN MANSELL WESLEY S. MCDONALD
President, Kohl’s Corporation Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer
ARLENE MEIER ARLENE MEIER
Chief Operating Officer, Kohl’s Corporation Chief Operating Officer
R. LAWRENCE MONTGOMERY R. LAWRENCE MONTGOMERY
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kohl’s Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
FRANK V. SICA JON NORDEEN
President, Quantum Industrial Holdings (b) (c) Executive Vice President - Planning and Allocation
PETER M. SOMMERHAUSER RICHARD D. SCHEPP
Shareholder in the law firm of Godfrey & Kahn, S.C. Executive Vice President - General Counsel and Secretary
JUDITH SPRIESER GARY VASQUES
Chief Executive Officer, Transora, Inc. (a) (c) Executive Vice President - Marketing
R. ELTON WHITE
Retired President, NCR Corporation (a) (c)
(a) 2004 Audit Committee (b) 2004 Compensation and Stock Option Committee
(c) 2004 Governance and Nominating Committee
COMMON STOCK STOCK LISTING/SHAREHOLDERS
PRICE RANGE
Fiscal 2003 High Low
Fiscal 2004 High Low Kohl’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange
First Quarter $60.55 $46.18
First Quarter $54.10 $39.59 under the symbol KSS.
Second Quarter 60.26 48.04
Second Quarter 48.83 40.10
As of March 2, 2005, there were 5,794 holders of record of
Third Quarter 65.44 50.49
Third Quarter 52.86 43.70
Kohl’s common stock.
Fourth Quarter 56.30 40.83
Fourth Quarter 53.24 45.40
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements made within this report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current
views of future events and financial performance. These statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause Kohl’s actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking
statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Exhibit 99.1 to Kohl’s annual report on Form 10-K and other factors as may periodically be described in Kohl’s filings with the SEC.
13

16. KOHL'S CORPORATION
N56 W17000 RIDGEWOOD DRIVE, MENOMONEE FALLS, WI 53051-5660
www.kohls.com